Although it's similar to the Yakima kit (and the Garvin one as well), I haven't seen a roof rack setup exactly like this anywhere and mentioned my plans to install it a couple times before, so thought someone might be interested to see how it turned out. I just did it last night and weather is crappy, so I'll try to take better pics soon. I'll also try to post a pic or two with the roof box attached.

If anyone is interested in more detailed installation write-up, let me know.

Cut 12 7/8" off the TB60 to get the right length to fit on top of the outermost ribs. Drilling the holes in the hardtop was super easy, and I used a lot of silicone, so hopefully no leaks/fiberglass bubbling down the road. Used 4 bolts on each track, but will probably add a couple more (there are about 6 or 7 holes unused, some of which can't be used because of the hump in the middle of the inside of the hardtop).

I did not cut the AeroBlade bars, it might be a difficult cut without the right saw - but I don't see why you couldn't. I usually like the look of shorter bars with no overhang, but I'll leave these for a while and see if they grow on me. I also might Plasti-dip the load bars to see if it looks better all black.

Hopefully the aero shape of the bars keeps them quiet and less of an impact on gas mileage. The nice thing about the 430R feet is that with the push of 4 buttons, the feet/bars come off in seconds, so all that's left on the roof is the track and the TK1 feet (which can be removed in a couple minutes if you want).

Total cost was about $450 - steep, but I'm happy with the look and functionality. Would be closer to $500 if I added a lockset or two.

VASYLfromUKRAINE

01-12-2012 04:09 PM

looking good

fireron

01-12-2012 04:42 PM

Rack Attack has a package kit for the JKUs using Yakima components similar to the Thule shown above for $351 shipped. It includes everything needed.

Rack Attack has a package kit for the JKUs using Yakima components similar to the Thule shown above for $351 shipped. It includes everything needed.

The first 6 words of my post acknowledged that Yakima had a similar setup. Perhaps you saw something different, but the equivalent Yakima kit at Rack Attack was $390, maybe cheaper elsewhere or on sale.

That said, Rack Attack is overpriced on just about everything, they have a store 20 minutes from my house. No idea how they stay in business with their pricing (in store or online) - and it's not their customer service, which was terrible the one time I spent $700 there on a roof box.

Yakima setup is similar, and no offense to those that use Yakima stuff, but in my experience it's inferior stuff. Component/material quality isn't as good as Thule, and the AeroBlade load bars are much beefier, and I suspect quieter, than round Yakima bars (or the rectangular or oval Thule bars for that matter). Not to mention better looking, IMHO. Worth another $60 (or $100) to me.